Residents

Residents Enjoy Douglas County

Douglas County is the fifth most populated county in Nevada with approximately 48,000 residents and seasonal populations that can exceed 65,000 due to its proximity to Reno, Carson City (state capital) and northern California. Douglas County is governed by a five-member elected Board of Commissioners. The County is comprised of ten functional areas – General Government, Judicial, Public Safety, Public Works, Sanitation, Health, Welfare, Cultural and Recreation, Community Support, and Utilities.

Climate
Douglas County covers an approximate area of 751 square miles and has elevations ranging from a low of 4,625 feet on the valley floor to a high of 9,500 feet at East Peak. The county’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains creates one of the most comfortable daily temperature ranges in the continental United States. Generally, the climate is arid, with warm summers, moderate winters, and cool evening temperatures year-round.

Community Centers
The Douglas County Community and Senior Center, in Gardnerville is 83,225 square feet and houses a senior center with a dining room for 300 people. The center also includes a senior day care, health nurse office, preschool, community activity rooms, fitness and workout areas, and gymnasiums. Kahle Park and Community Center is a 19-acre facility located just above the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Kingsbury Grade. The park features a full-service Community Park and indoor Recreation Center with meeting rooms, basketball courts and fitness facility.

Education
Douglas County schools are dedicated to ensuring that all students achieve excellence in education, character and citizenship, in partnership with parents and community. Our schools provide over 6,000 students with a nurturing and rigorous learning environment. Additionally, the K-12 Education Innovation program has been adopted as a priority project by the Douglas County Economic Vitality Team. Douglas County students are successful because employees, parents, and the community work together to provide a quality education.

Public Library
The Douglas County Public Library first opened in 1967 and has grown exponentially in its first 50 years of serving the community. The Library’s mission is to provide a wide range of library materials, services, and programs to meet the informational, recreational, and cultural needs of the citizens of Douglas County. The Library’s commitment to excellence in library services and its development of available technology in the last decade has placed the organization at the forefront of rural Nevada libraries. There are two libraries (one at Lake Tahoe and one in Minden), and four book returns throughout the county. The Library serves more than 125,000 residents and visitors every year. In addition to 120,000 physical resources and 336,000 downloadable items, some other Library highlights include unique programs, author talks, dedicated volunteers, and a skilled professional staff. With your free library card, you can check out a book, DVD, iPad, magazine, or book bag, and download free music, video, and eBooks.